Kit Wilson was one of WWE’s biggest breakout stars at the beginning of 2026.
The song, the character and, perhaps most importantly, the unapologetic way Wilson was being himself on screen were working. I wrote earlier this year about why his unexpected SmackDown rise felt so organic: WWE had stumbled into something audiences genuinely wanted to see.
Since then, however, WWE has repeatedly fumbled Wilson’s momentum.
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How WWE First Messed Up Kit Wilson
The first major mistake was leaving him out of the Royal Rumble. Out of 30 available spots, one of WWE’s five hottest acts that month couldn’t get one? Fans noticed, and whether intentional or not, it sent the message that Wilson wasn’t viewed as a serious singles player.
Wilson did appear at WrestleMania, but WWE had already given away his match with Jelly Roll on a random episode of SmackDown—even though Jelly Roll was at WrestleMania. That felt like another missed opportunity.
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Since then, Wilson has spent much of the summer orbiting Danhausen and The Miz. It has kept him on television and even earned him a PLE appearance, but largely in the background.
Listen, working with The Miz can be valuable. He’s one of WWE’s most accomplished veterans. But let’s not pretend everyone paired with Miz is automatically catapulted to bigger things. How much did Carmelo Hayes ultimately gain from their association? John Morrison is no longer with the company.
That’s the dangerous position Wilson now finds himself in.
WWE Fans Want More Kit Wilson
Following Friday’s SmackDown, WWE released a 1:41 “EXCLUSIVE” backstage video featuring Miz and Wilson. Wilson continues seeking Miz’s guidance, with Miz questioning his wardrobe before Wilson explains that he actually sews his own pants.
In isolation, it’s harmless—and both men play their roles well, as they have throughout the pairing.
The reaction underneath the video tells a different story.
Fans questioned why Wilson wasn’t actually featured on SmackDown, asked when the “Danhausen curse” would be lifted creatively, and pointed out that Miz and Wilson have now been at SmackDown for two consecutive weeks without making the televised show.
SmackDown recently returned from three hours to two, so television time is unquestionably more difficult to come by. But two straight weeks of relegating Wilson to digital exclusives is bad business.
WWE’s audience already demonstrated that Wilson can get over. We put him over.
Wilson still has the personality, charisma and connection with the audience to become something bigger. But WWE has to treat him like someone worth investing in.
Otherwise, this breakout story is heading toward a familiar ending: years in the low-to-mid card before Wilson is eventually wished the best in his future endeavors.
